Head Start Teacher

Head Start Teacher – Porter‑Leath

The Teacher will serve as the primary caregiver for one group of children in the Head Start classroom under the direction of the Site Manager.

• Perform according to the standards set forth by Head Start, NAEYC, CWLA, Tennessee Day Care Licensing and Porter‑Leath.
• Assume responsibility as primary caregiver for one group of children, including those with special needs.
• Plan daily activities of enrichment and care for a classroom of children (ages 3‑5) following Head Start, NAEYC, and Tennessee licensing standards.
• Work cooperatively with Education Specialist, Lead Teacher, and staff to provide leadership.
• Collaborate with staff to create a positive environment for children, families, and staff.
• Maintain attendance and meal count records for reports.
• Develop, implement, and monitor coordinated plans of care for families.
• Serve as a mentor to families.
• Support and teach good parenting practices.
• Conduct regular home visits and parent conferences.
• Keep supervisor informed of programmatic issues in a timely manner.
• Conduct ongoing child evaluations.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience with infants and/or toddlers/preschool age (0‑5).
• CPR and First Aid certification (preferred).
• Experience working in a non‑profit (preferred).

• Knowledge of and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate programs for preschool child care.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with diverse groups.
• Possess a sincere desire to make a difference in the community and develop professional skills.
• Ability to have a positive relationship with children, staff, and others from diverse backgrounds, including children with special needs.
• Ability to work effectively and positively with parents to improve the quality of life of their children.
• Possess an attitude of continuous improvement.
• Possess a commitment to continued education to include regular participation in workshops, conferences, training sessions, etc.
• Ability to provide a continuum of care to children ages three (3) to five (5).
• Ability to perceive and deal with sensitive issues while maintaining confidentiality and objectivity.
• Ability to follow through on given directives in a timely manner.
• Flexibility in scheduling.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships within a client’s home.
• Ability to work as a team player and interact/assist all employees as necessary.
• Possess the ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families, conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change, the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the employee and the ability to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and their families.

Regularly required to sit and talk or hear; frequently use hands to touch/handle/feel; occasionally stand and walk; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Requires close and color vision. Work in a non‑smoking environment.

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and appropriate insurance. Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid training/certification within 90 days of employment.

This position does not include any supervisory responsibilities.
NOTE:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be exhaustive.

No references to seniority level, employment type or other non‑essential details are disclosed here.